New Guns & Gear for 2021—Chief Upland Launches Customizable Hunting Vest

News Guns & Gear for 2021—Chief Upland Launches Customizable Hunting Vest

From Chief Upland

Whether you enjoy hunting pheasant, chukar, quail, rabbits or any other upland or small game, Chief Upland’s NEW Over/Under customizable, front-loading vest is the answer to making your next hunt enjoyable, comfortable, organized, and most importantly—built just for you.

Chief Upland has teamed up with strategic developers, gear designers and apparel engineers across the globe to design and develop the Over/Under vest.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

“Through factory relationships with experts in the apparel industry, we’re able to produce and bring our market-disrupting gear to the hunting world at remarkably valuable and affordable prices,” said Jake Lindemann, founder and CEO of Chief Upland.

The Over/Under vest system allows the user to create as much storage as he or she wants by attaching pockets to the laser cut MOLLE/PALS compatible panels where you feel is easiest to access the items you carry out in the field. The vest is also versatile, lightweight and comfortably carries the weight on top of your hips to eliminate neck, shoulder and back fatigue.

Over/Under Vest Key Features:

  • Customizable storage
  • Universal fit (waist sizes ranging from 29” to 50”)
  • Durable materials include 1000D Cordura®, Hypalon and leather accents, and rip-stop lining
  • Lightweight at 2.56 lbs.
  • Waterproof and briar-proof
  • Colors: Blaze orange and Earth tone
  • MSRP: $159 (attachments sold separately)

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Rival Arms Chassis System for 10/22 Style Barreled Actions

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Rival Arms Chassis System for 10/22 Style Barreled Actions

From Rival Arms

Rival Arms™, manufacturer of precision firearm components for do-it-yourself gun enthusiasts, announces all colors for the R-22 Precision Chassis System for Ruger® 10/22®-style barreled actions are now available. Rival Arms, known for premium handgun components, expands into the world of performance rimfire upgrades beginning with the R-22 chassis.

The Ruger® 10/22® barreled action is known in the rimfire rifle community to be prolific, reliable, and easily upgradable. Rival Arms enhances this platform with the R-22 Precision Chassis System. Designed for use with 10/22®-style barreled actions featuring a 1-inch maximum barrel diameter, the R-22 chassis is CNC-machined from billet aluminum for precise consistency, strength, and rigidity. Weighing in at only one pound, the aluminum maintains the lightweight design of the 10/22 platform. The chassis will soon be available through dealers and distributors in hard black anodized finish as well as a KG GunKote Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and Satin Gray finishes. Like all Rival Arms products, the R-22 Chassis is proudly made in the USA by American workers.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

The chassis includes scalloped texturing on the forend to enhance grip and includes 11 integrated M-LOK slots to mount accessories and to reduce weight. Tapping into the modularity of AR-15 components, the R-22 chassis accepts most vertical or angled AR-style pistol grips and is threaded to accommodate 1 3/16-16 mil-spec buffer tubes for a wide variety of stock options. The forend is also tapped to accept a sling swivel stud, positioned for sling or bipod use.

Upgrading to the Rival Arms R-22 chassis system is a project any DIY firearms enthusiast can accomplish at home, and the opportunity to apply most of the diverse AR-style grips and buttstocks on the market allows for numerous customization possibilities. Available through dealers and the new Rival Arms website.

For more information on Rival Arms precision-manufactured firearm components and accessories, visit rival-arms.com.

Smith & Wesson Brands Reports Record Quarterly Results

Smith & Wesson Brands Reports Record Quarterly Results

From Smith & Wesson

– Record Quarterly Revenue of $249 Million

– GAAP EPS of $0.87/Share, non-GAAP EPS of $0.93/Share

– $0.05 per Share Dividend

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year2021, ended October 31, 2020. On August 24, 2020, the company completed the previously announced spin-off of its outdoor products and accessories business. Therefore, beginning with this quarter, all historical financial information for that business is reported as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to income statement items refers to results from continuing operations.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2021 Consolidated Financial Highlights

  • Quarterly net sales were $248.7 million compared with $113.7 million for the comparable quarter last year, an increase of 118.7%.
  • Gross margin for the quarter was 40.6% compared with 28.4% for the comparable quarter last year.
  • Quarterly GAAP income was $49.1 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, compared with $343,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter last year.
  • Quarterly non-GAAP income was $52.8 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared with $472,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter last year. GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments for income exclude costs related to the spin-off of the outdoor products and accessories business, COVID-19 related expenses, and other costs. For a detailed reconciliation, see the schedules that follow in this release.
  • Quarterly non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAS was $78.9 million, or 31.7% of net sales, compared with $13.4 million, or 11.8% of net sales, for the comparable quarter last year.

Mark Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Today, I am pleased to report a second consecutive record-breaking quarter for our 168 year old company. These results are a testament to Smith & Wesson’s devoted team of employees, and their ability to deliver strong performance in the face of any challenge. Because of the hard work of our employees, who have been diligently following our safety protocols, we have been able to continue safely operating our business and, during these extremely difficult times when so many of our fellow Americans are out of work, we successfully created and filled 287 new jobs during our second quarter. Along with our existing employees, our new team members played a critical role in achieving these record-breaking numbers.”

Deana McPherson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, “Smith & Wesson’s record-breakingfinancial performance enabled us to generate $49.1 million in net income, seed the outdoor products and accessories business with $25 million of cash at the spin date, repay the final $25 million on our revolving loan, and left us with $55.5 million of cash on hand, and zero bank debt, significantly sooner than our prior internal targets. Additionally, our Board again authorized a $0.05 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of December 17, 2020, with payment to be made on January 5, 2021.”

Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this press release, certain non-GAAP financial measures, including “non-GAAP net income,” “Adjusted EBITDAS,” and “free cash flow” are presented. From time-to-time, the company considers and uses these supplemental measures of operating performance in order to provide the reader with an improved understanding of underlying performance trends. The company believes it is useful for itself and the reader to review, as applicable, both (1) GAAP measures that include (i) amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) transition costs, (iii) the tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments, (iv) COVID-19 expenses, (v) net cash used in investing activities, (vi) interest expense, (vii) income tax expense, (viii) depreciation and amortization, and (ix) stock-based compensation expenses; and (2) the non-GAAP measures that exclude such information. The company presents these non-GAAP measures because it considers them an important supplemental measure of its performance. The company’s definition of these adjusted financial measures may differ from similarly named measures used by others. The company believes these measures facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period by eliminating potential differences caused by the existence and timing of certain expense items that would not otherwise be apparent on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the company’s GAAP measures. The principal limitations of these measures are that they do not reflect the company’s actual expenses and may thus have the effect of inflating its financial measures on a GAAP basis.

About Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality handgun, long gun, and suppressor products to the global consumer and professional markets under the iconic Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, Thompson/Center Arms™, and Gemtech® brands. The company also provides manufacturing services including forging, machining, and precision plastic injection molding services. For more information call (844) 363-5386 or visit www.smith-wesson.com.

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Steiner Optics TOR Series of Pistol Lasers and Light

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Steiner Optics TOR Series of Pistol Lasers and Light

From Steiner

Steiner Optics TOR pistol laser and light models are now available for dealers and consumers. The TOR Mini and TOR Fusion mounted to a pistol will fit a variety of holsters from popular manufacturers.

The TOR Mini features a Type III hard-anodized, machined aluminum housing and rail mount, which is dustproof and splash-proof to IP54 standards. The universal rail mount on the lasers and light will fit all pistols that have a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail forward of the trigger guard. This design allows optimum positioning of the laser so that the fire buttons are easily accessible for a wide range of users.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

It is available with either a red (635 nm) and green laser (520) lasers. Both lasers are direct diode type, allowing them to operate in extreme cold weather. Other features include left and right fire buttons for ambidextrous use, constant power drive that ensures the laser output remains constant throughout the life of the battery, low battery indication, as well as windage and elevation bore sight adjustment screws.

The TOR Fusion is a rail-mounted white light and aiming laser combination specifically designed for pistols. It is small enough to fit inside the majority of all commercially produced holsters on the market. It features left and right fire buttons for ambidextrous use and is available in red (635 nm) or green (520 nm) visible lasers. Ruggedly built with a Type III hard-anodized machined aluminum housing, the TOR Fusion is framed by a rail mount and illuminator bezel, ambient sealed, dustproof, and is splash-proof to IP54 standards.

TOR Mini:

Laser Power: 5.0 mW

Battery: CR 1/3N

Height: 1.2 in.

Width: 1.3 in.

Length: 2.1 in.

MSRP: $286.99

TOR Fusion:

Laser Power: 5.0 mW

Light 500 Lumen

Battery: (1) CR123

Height: 1.39 in.

Width: 1.34 in.

Length: 2.7

MSRP: $401.99

Ever wonder what Arnold Schwarzenegger and firearm-mounted lasers have in common. Here’s the role he played in making the aiming devices self-defense mainstream.

Riton Optics Sponsors Shoot for $1 Million Sweepstakes

Riton Optics Sponsors Shoot for $1 Million Sweepstakes

From Riton Optics

Riton Optics is proud to be a sponsor of Athlon Outdoors Shoot for $1 Million Sweepstakes. From now until January 31st, eligible participants can enter to win a Riton Optics package that includes some of Riton’s most popular products, $80,000 in additional prizes or the $1 million grand prize.

The Riton Optics prize pack includes the X5 Conquer 5-25×50 MRAD, which features a 34mm tube, First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, integrated throw lever, and advanced Riton R5 Zero Stop turrets. The package also contains the X1 Tactix ARD, an ultra-precise red dot comes with a lower 1/3 co-witness QD mount and a flush mount for the perfect mounting height no matter the platform. The final item is the X5 Primal 10×42 Binoculars. These Riton binoculars are built with a lightweight magnesium alloy frame that can handle the most rugged applications.

Regarding the sweepstakes, Director of Marketing for Riton Optics, Calley Carpenter said, “Athlon Outdoors is a valued partner of ours, and we are excited to be a part of something that is reaching beyond the norm to find new ways to engage consumers in a fun and exciting way.”

For information on Riton Optics’ participation in the “Shoot for a $1Million” giveaway, visit https://www.ballisticmag.com/shoot-for-one-million/. You can sign up there to win a million dollars worth of prizes and cash, including a Riton Optics X5 Conquer 5-25×50 MRAD, X1 Tactix ARD and a X5 Primal 10×42 Binoculars. Submit your entry by 11:59 PM ET on January 31, 2021.

USCCA Announces Partnership With DAV

USCCA Announces Partnership With DAV

From USCCA

The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is proud to announce a new partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit organization that provides a lifetime of support for veterans and their families. The USCCA – which is the largest and fastest growing organization focused on providing self-defense education, training and legal protection to more than half a million responsible American gun owners – is launching a long-term fundraising effort for DAV through its website where customers can add a donation in their cart when purchasing merchandise through the online store.

The USCCA proudly employs veterans at twice the national average with a number of recently deployed veterans, retired military members and reservists currently working as USCCA team members.

“On behalf of myself and the entire USCCA community, we are proud to offer our thanks and support to our nation’s veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect the rights and liberties of all Americans. Our mission to uphold the freedoms granted to us through the Second Amendment would not be possible without the brave men and women who put their lives on the line and often return home with a long road ahead to recover both mentally and physically from their service. We are excited for this partnership with DAV so we can recognize those who served in our nation’s Armed Forces and sacrificed so much for our national defense.” said USCCA President and Founder Tim Schmidt.

“DAV is proud to partner with the USCCA to empower veterans to improve their quality of life while honoring their immense sacrifices,” said DAV National Adjutant and CEO Marc Burgess. “With the help of the USCCA, millions of veterans across the nation will benefit from having increased access to our services, which is only made possible through the donations of thankful citizens.”

For more information on how to donate through the USCCA’s website, click here. To get self-defense education and training offered through the USCCA, visit the website here.

SSSF Donates Over $450K To Youth Teams

SSSF Donates Over $450K To Youth Teams

From SSSF

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) recently donated $451,258.50 to Team Endowment Accounts at the MidwayUSA Foundation, providing assistance for youth shooting sports expenses. Teams earned funds by raising money through the SSSF’s Reload For 2021 campaign and the SSSF Member Matching Program. Teams purchasing ATA and or NSSA/NSCA memberships through the SCTP also had deposits made to their accounts.

So far, this year’s donations have benefited 339 teams participating in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), participating throughout 37 different states. The growth of youth shooting sports is apparent, as the number of benefiting teams has increased nearly four-fold since 2018. To date, the SSSF has donated over $6.9 million to SCTP and SASP team endowment accounts at the MidwayUSA Foundation.

The Team Endowment Program at the MidwayUSA Foundation gives a community the ability to financially support a competitive youth shooting sports program or financially assist in the start-up of a new youth shooting sports program. The team can then request a grant of up to 5% of their endowment account balance once each year, in either December or June, to pay for team expenses. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit midwayusafoundation.org.

Mossberg Donates $75,000 to NSSF After SHOT Show Cancellation

Mossberg Donates $75,000 to NSSF After SHOT Show Cancellation

From Mossberg

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. announced today a donation of $75,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) following the cancellation of the 2021 Shooting Hunting & Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show. The 42nd annual SHOT Show, scheduled to take place in January 2021, was canceled due to potential health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re very disappointed we won’t be able to gather in Las Vegas this year for SHOT Show, and I believe that sentiment is held across the entire industry,” said John MacLellan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Given the unfortunate recent rise of COVID-19 infections on a global level, and the precautions that are being taken regarding slowing the spread of the virus, we fully support NSSF’s decision to cancel the upcoming show. We also understand that most of NSSF’s annual operating expenses are generated through SHOT Show every year, which is why we’re pleased to announce that Mossberg intends to donate $75,000 to help NSSF maintain normal business operations in 2021.”

Primary Arms Sponsored ‘Back the Blue’ Idaho Police Rally

Primary Arms Sponsored ‘Back the Blue’ Idaho Police Rally

From Primary Arms

Primary Arms Government proudly sponsored the ‘Back the Blue’ Idaho Police Rally, held in The Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, ID on October 5th. The event was led by Amplify the 99, a grassroots movement founded to support the men and women working to serve our communities in law enforcement across America. Proceeds of the event were distributed to specific Law Enforcement charities.

The event encourages, enables and supports law enforcement officers and their families, recognizing their contribution to American freedoms and public safety. As a platinum-tier sponsor, Primary Arms was happy to support the event’s charities, which includes Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and Canyon County Thin Blue Line of Hope. In such divisive times, Primary Arms proudly supports events that showcase the great efforts and contributions of law enforcement across the nation.

“As Primary Arms, we have always prioritized giving back to our communities. We value people, and we know there can be no community without the people coming together in unity,” says Ozge Cumberland, Primary Arms’ Senior Vice President. “Primary Arms Government is proud to sponsor the Back the Blue event, which encourages unity and appreciation for the men and women of law enforcement.”

About Primary Arms Government
With 12 years of manufacturing, retailing, and wholesaling experience, Primary Arms opened its Government division in 2019, supporting professionals with access to over 400 top brands across 150+ product categories. With same-day shipping before 4pm CST and 24-hour quote response, Primary Arms offers industry-leading service with no minimum order quantity. In addition, Primary Arms provides its partners a full suite of complimentary amenities, including demo days, T&E opportunities, a full trade-in program, and technical product support. Primary Arms Government is also the home of the patented ACSS reticle, available in a variety of configurations with Primary Arms’ duty-proven optics.

For more information on Primary Arms Government, visit the company website

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Rocky Boot’s Mountain Stalker Realtree EDGE Camo Insulated Boot

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Rocky Boot's Mountain Stalker Realtree EDGE Camo Insulated Boot

From Rocky Boots

The Rocky Boot’s Mountain Stalker Realtree EDGE Camo Insulated Boot provides the warm and waterproof protection every hunter needs and deserves. The 1,000 grams of ™ Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation protects hunters from frigid temperatures and the EnergyBed LX Footbed with Memory Foam provides added comfort and support. Waterproof full-grain leather with 1200 denier nylon keeps water out in soggy conditions.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

The Mountain Stalker comes with a one-year guaranteed Rocky Vapor Pass waterproof technology – Rocky’s most superior dry experience.

  • 1,000 grams of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation
  • Fiberglass shank
  • 10 Inches in height
  • EnergyBed LX Footbed with Memory Foam
  • Milled Hardware
  • Waterproof Full Grain Leather with 1200 Denier Nylon
  • Rugged 7mm Lug Outsole with Lightweight EVA Midsole